Guild urges budget access

THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch has launched a new dedicated Pharmacy Business Support Team, with the aim of supporting members to access funding confirmed in the recent Federal Budget.

The Guild said the team would work one-on-one with members to “help them access resources to improve their business offering”.

Qld branch president Tim Logan said the support was included as part of Guild membership, and included use of the Opportunity Analysis Tool to work out the optimal way to implement professional services.

“The Federal Budget has brought certainty to 6CPA funded programs.

“Now is the time for pharmacies to act and ensure they are ready to implement and access these additional income streams,” he said.

Measures announced in the budget included an investment from the $600 million already committed in the 6CPA and held in the Contingency Reserve for new and expanded community pharmacy programs.

Dose Administration Aids will receive $340 million; there’s $80 million for Staged Supply; $60 million for Home Medicines Reviews; $90 million for the expansion of the MedsCheck and Diabetes MedsCheck programs; and $30 million to incorporate medication management programs within Health Care Homes.

Certainty for pharmacy going forward was also provided with a government commitment to remove the Sunset Provision for Location Rules.

Logan said the Guild’s Opportunity Analysis Tool highlighted how pharmacy businesses could access additional income from 6CPA funded programs, prescription and medication programs and more.

“An expert coach will discuss and analyse the results, providing strategic advice for developing a professional services offer that generates additional income,” the Qld branch president concluded.

For more information call the Guild on 07 3831 3788.